High School Girl Attacked with Weapon Calls Emergency Services, Fights Back

A 17-year-old high school girl was attacked with a weapon in Gwangju on the 5th. The incident occurred around 0:11 AM on the 5th on a road near a university in Wolgye-dong, Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju. As the high school student, identified as Ms. B, was returning home late at night, she was attacked by Mr. Jang, a 24-year-old man she did not know. Even as she was falling, the victim requested rescue from the 119 emergency services.

A high school student, Mr. A, who was passing by the scene, heard Ms. B's screams and rushed over. Ms. B asked Mr. A to 'call 119,' but just as Mr. A was about to make the call, Mr. Jang approached again, wielding the weapon. In the process, Mr. A injured the back of his hand and was stabbed twice in the neck. Ms. B was transported to the hospital but died.

Mr. A underwent surgery and treatment at Jeonbuk National University Hospital and other facilities. Upon hearing about the situation after his surgery, Mr. A expressed his resolve to become a police officer. Mr. A's father stated that his son had always been a caring person towards those around him, and when asked by his father why he went to such a dangerous place, Mr. A replied, 'Wouldn't you have done the same in my father's position?'

Mr. A's family was hurt by the criticism directed at him online. Father Mr. A lamented, 'I had to read comments online saying things like 'the male high school student ran away.' My heart was broken.' He added, 'I'm not asking for my child to be seen as a hero. I just want people to know that my son didn't do anything wrong.' He expressed his hope that his son would live with pride, stating, 'It wasn't something he had to hide, but an act of throwing himself to save someone.'

When asked about how he would react if the same situation occurred again, Mr. A showed caution. He trailed off, saying, 'Rather than rushing in blindly, if I had first called for help and observed the situation from a distance, responding cautiously...' but then added, 'Still, if the same situation arose, I think my body would move again.'

In police questioning, Mr. Jang (24) stated that he intended to 'take someone with me when I die' or that he committed the crime impulsively after contemplating suicide because 'life is not fun.' The police are investigating Mr. Jang's motive, and his personal information is set to be disclosed on the 14th. The Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education is reviewing procedures for applying Mr. A for the "Designated Meritorious Person" status and the 'Proud Gwangju Student Award,' and plans to provide information on support measures including compensation, medical benefits, and educational protection.